Multicultural office faces harmful staff cuts

Maine Governor John Baldacci’s budget plan, which includes eliminating three of five positions in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, is a mistake, writes op-ed contributor Professor Catherine Besteman (anthropology). “Maine’s current demographic hemorrhage is just barely offset by new immigrants to the state. It is clear that Maine’s future growth and economic vitality will come from attracting immigrants, both native-born Americans and immigrants from other countries.”